Preparation

Whisk together the vinegar, chili oil, sesame oil, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl until the sugar dissolves. Set the dressing aside.

Halve the cucumbers lengthwise. (If using English cucumbers, remove the seeds with a small spoon and discard.) Set them cut-side down on a cutting board and lightly smash them: Give them a couple angry thwaps with the side of a cleaver (or a large chef’s knife) until the cucumbers crack in a few places. (For less drama, just press down on them with the side of the knife.) Cut the abused cucumbers crosswise into 3/4-inch-thick half-moons.

Toss the cucumbers in the dressing, portion them out onto plates, and top each serving with sesame seeds, peanuts, and cilantro.

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Reviews

Chinkiang vinegar is a rice-based black vinegar. You coul d substitute it with a 50/50 mix of red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar, i.e., 1 tbsp red wine vinegar / 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
I made this recipe with both Chinkiang and the substitution. Just a very slight difference as my balsamic was kind of sweet, but both were delicious.